Sensory Deprivation Tank / The Guide to Floating

WHAT IS FLOATING?

Also known as floating and float therapy, floatation involves lying in a salt-water solution in a specially designed Sensory Deprivation tank. It is the most effective and incredible means of stress relief and relaxation available. Now widely accepted, floatation is also used to treat a wide range of ailments and conditions.

For many years, float tanks were used only by researchers in universities or by private individuals. But since 1983, floating has become increasingly popular as more has been learnt about floatation’s many positive effects.

New floatation research regularly reveals more remarkable benefits from repeatedly using Sensory Deprivation tanks. And best of all, the effects of floatation are cumulative — the more often you float, the better it is for you!

Float tanks can now be found everywhere, from health spas and fitness centres to hospitals and professional sports clubs.

HOW DOES A FLOAT TANK WORK?

The floatation tank contains a super-saturated Epsom-salt solution, which is about 25cm deep. This creates an environment similar to that of the Dead Sea, which lets you float effortlessly on the surface of the water and enjoy a feeling of weightlessness!

The float tank looks like a large, enclosed bathtub. They are usually built from fibreglass and are designed to block out all external distractions, such as sights, sounds, tactile sensations and gravity.

The salt-water solution is heated to skin temperature (35.5°C). Once you are settled, it is almost impossible to tell which parts of your body are in the water and which aren’t. This will trick your brain into thinking that you’re floating in mid air.

The buoyancy created by the Epsom-salt solution effectively removes the effects of gravity on the body. This will make you feel almost completely weightless, letting every single muscle in your body fully relax.

With ear plugs in and (if you choose) the tank’s interior lights switched off, the quietness and darkness will allow your mind to drift into a deep state of relaxation.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Researchers and Sensory Deprivation tank users report many different beneficial effects from floatation, from general well-being through to mental and physical benefits. Here are just a few!

Promotes total calm and peaceful relaxation

Eliminates fatigue and jet lag

Improves sleep

Alleviates stress (mental and physical)

Energises, rejuvenates and revitalises

Increases motivation, diminishes depression, anxiety and fear

Facilitates freedom from habits, phobias and addictions

Stimulates left/right brain synchronisation

Shifts brain waves from beta to lower frequency alpha, theta and even delta

Creates mental clarity, alertness

Increases creativity, problem solving

Heightens visualisation

Deepens meditation

Expands awareness, intensifies acuteness of all the senses, accelerates learning

Enhances hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis

Decreases the production of cortisol, ACTH, lactic acid and adrenaline

Increases production of endorphins

Speeds up rehabilitation and recovery

Relieves pain (arthritis, migraines, injuries and so on)

Boosts immune function

Improves circulation and distribution of oxygen and nutrients

Reduces blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and oxygen consumption

Improves athletic performance

Helps prevent sports injuries, speeds healing process

Start the Experiment

Find a local float center

“All life is an experiment, the more experiments you make the better” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
We challenge you to get involved and explore through experience.

Head to a local float tank center and let us know how you get on. Deciding for yourself, through your own experience whether floating lives up to it’s reputation.

Already Floated?What’s your experience with floatation tanks? Do you have any words of advice and encouragement for other people getting started with floating?

I just floated for the first time a couple hours ago.
It’s “all it’s cracked up to be”, and I’m not easily sold.
The only way I can compare it is to say that in some ways it reminds me of right after a good, hard surfing session and in some ways reminds me of a mild peyote experience.

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